Tag: hospitality

Istanbul…Sezer’s Barber Shop in Kadikoy

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Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.—Turkish proverb

 

One of my favorite experiences in Istanbul was going to Sezer’s Barber Shop.

Sezer’s Barber Shop is in Kadikoy, a large borough of Istanbul on the Asian side.  I was staying with my son and his family in the area.  He likes Sezer and wanted me to meet him.  Sezer has helped my son with his Turkish.  Sezer was one of the few folks in Kadikoy I found that spoke impeccable English. Because of this we were able to converse all during my visit to his barber shop.

I think, while traveling, if you can find one person who is native to that country and engage in conversation about their life and culture, you have enhanced your trip tremendously.

Pardon me as I pontificate, but we Americans tend to be burdensome when we travel.  I’m sure you aren’t one of these Americans.  But as a whole, we seem to want things the way we get them in America.  If that is the case why travel outside of America?

Sezer and I were able to ask each other about the other’s country.  He was intrigued by America and curious as to what we Americans thought about his fellow Turks.  Turks love to engage about politics and from what I could surmise, probably handle their differences better than Americans at the moment.

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This was the first head shave I have ever received by a professional barber and I was glad Sezer was the one to perform this task.  As you can see, he did a magnificent job but could only work with the subject at hand.  After my shave, he offered us Turkish coffee or chai tea.  This is customary in his shop, part of his service.  My son and I opted for the coffee since I had been drinking chai tea the entire time in Istanbul.  I was also curious about making Turkish coffee.  He could be a barista, the coffee was very good.

My experience at Sezer’s Barber Shop was very comforting.  His hospitality was refreshing. Two people from different backgrounds and countries were able to enjoy each other’s company and that made my trip memorable.

If you need a shave or a haircut in Kadikoy, see Sezer.  He will treat you right.

Ode to the Mont Joli Hotel…Cap-Haitien, Haiti

 

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People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.—Maya Angelou

This quote is how I think of the Mont Joli Hotel in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

I have a short-lived homance (hotel romance) with this hotel that sits high on a hill on the west side of Cap-Haitien overlooking both the city and the bay.  I have stayed here on four visits to Haiti.  It never changes…and that is a good thing.

The staff has always been friendly and the service has always been very good.  Could it use a fresh coat of paint? Sure.  Could it use a plumbing overhaul? Sure.  But there is something special about this place that always captured my heart.  Maybe it is the history, built in 1954 and changed very little, that gives it depth.  Maybe it is the location that gives it soul.  I believe it is the romantic spirit of this hotel I feel whenever I sit on the veranda or at the open bar and gaze on the city and the bay, always feeling a cool breeze waft up from below.

I think about the time when Haiti maybe wasn’t so poor and it was actually a tourist destination.  Cap-Haitien was once called “Paris of the Antilles”.

I apologize for the many photos.

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The veranda, a perfect place to relax.

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Morning sunrise over Cap-Haitien Bay, seen from the pool.

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A seat at the bar with the original wood craftsmanship.

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The most recent view out of my window.

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The courtyard of the Mont Joli Hotel.

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The open air dining room ready for the evening meal.

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Tiled pillar outside the dining area.

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Tiled wall in the dining area.

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Appetizers of hot slaw, cheese balls, and bruschetta.

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Breakfast usually has some sort of eggs, spaghetti, fresh fruit, fresh juice, and coffee.

There are often pancakes and french toast served for breakfast.

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This evening meal consisted of goat in a delicious sauce, a salad, some cooked root vegetables and french fries.

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Artwork is everywhere.

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Many flowers are evident on the grounds.

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Comfortable sitting rooms abound at the hotel.

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Open air lobby at the Mont Joli Hotel.

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Upstairs open sitting room.

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A stairway up to another open area for sitting.

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Coffee on the upstairs porch, a most relaxing place.

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A final view of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral before departing.